Joan H.

About Joan H.

My Mom, Joan Hartzell is the ultimate caregiver. She had my Dad and Great Uncle Stan in a prostate cancer trial for years. Because of being in the trial, they found prostate cancer at the early stages in my Dad. They did a radical procedure to ensure no spreading. My Dad was 73 and had never been in the hospital for anything’! He was born at home in 1925. My Mom provided healthy meals, assisted in his exercise, and most importantly emotional love and support! Within months, Mom got her breast cancer diagnosis in both breasts. She was making Dad and Uncle Stan dinners a few days coming home from the hospital!

Oh yes, in 1989 Uncle Stan came to live my parents after his sister Stella passed away. Uncle Stanley was a 100% disabled World War II vet and a proud Marine! My grandma Stella took care him for 25 years. After the prostate cancer, my mom’s first breast cancer, my dad got diagnosed with lung cancer. Shortly after his operation on the long cancer after the prostate cancer, my mom’s first breast cancer, my dad got diagnosed with lung cancer. Shortly after his operation on the long cancer, alzheimer’s kicked in. My mom took care of my dad at home until his passing in January 2018. Her breast cancer came back the following year and she had a double M. She always put her husband, uncle Stan in front of her self and her care was always exquisite! She was always their cheerleader, chef, taxi, hygiene person and made sure they would do for themselves to keep up the will to live’! Uncle Stan never got prostate cancer as Mom made sure he ate healthy, exercised and had FUN! He passed away at 93 in January of 2017! He walked on his own with no cane or walker!

Now, at 84 my Mom, Joan Hartzell is alone and taking care of herself! She goes to water aerobics three times a week! She raised 5 children, has 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandkids! She makes a difference by being the difference! Thank you Mom!

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